Private dining and events can be a lucrative revenue stream for restaurants. Whether it’s an exclusive chef’s table, a semi-private room, or a full buyout, offering customized private event spaces allows you to cater to a range of group sizes and budgets.
In this guide, we explore the different types of private dining and event options restaurants can offer to attract more large party bookings and create exceptional experiences for guests.
Why offer private dining and venue hire?
Private dining presents a chance to showcase your restaurant’s hospitality in an elevated way. From corporate outings to celebratory gatherings, dedicated event spaces give you an opportunity to provide personalized service and customized menus.
Offering private venue spaces also opens up new revenue opportunities beyond standard dining room service. With the right private dining options, you can benefit from accommodating more group bookings and maximizing profits.Perhaps more importantly, people are willing to pay for private dining. Research shows that 40% of Millennial and Gen Z diners will consider paying extra for a private dining room or premium seating, while 24% of Boomers and Gen X think the same. Put simply, there’s a demand for private dining spaces and experiences.
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Get helpful tips with our comprehensive guide to private dining for restaurants.
Different types of private dining and event spaces
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to bring in more income through private dining and events. Here are some options you can use to increase the likelihood of guests booking private dining at your spot.
Chef’s table or kitchen counter
For an immersive dining experience, consider offering a chef’s table or kitchen counter dining for private dining. Guests get a front-row view of the action to watch chefs meticulously prepare each course. These intimate spaces typically seat around six to 12 people and provide an elevated dining encounter that feels personalized and private.
Private dining rooms
Enclosed private dining rooms give groups their own secluded space while still being part of the restaurant’s ambiance. Rooms can be customized with audio and visual equipment, special decor, and personalized menus. Capacities tend to range from small eight-person rooms to larger spaces for 50-plus guests.
Semi-private spaces
For a middle ground between full privacy and open dining, semi-private spaces like alcove seating or curtained-off areas offer a degree of seclusion. You can be flexible with the space so it accommodates groups of various sizes without compromising the energy of the main dining room.
Full buyouts
Making your entire restaurant available for a private event opens up the possibility of hosting everything from intimate wedding ceremonies to large-scale corporate events. Full buyouts mean you can fully immerse guests in your restaurant’s branding with customized food and drink menus as well as complete facility access.
Outdoor areas
If your restaurant has a patio, terrace, or other outdoor space, consider offering it for private bookings along with your inside space. Think about the types of events that suit outdoor dining, from rehearsal dinners to baby showers and anniversary parties—all while providing a unique outdoor ambiance.
Speakeasies and hidden rooms
Hidden dining spaces and speakeasy-style rooms tap into guests’ desire for exclusivity and intrigue. These tucked-away spaces work especially well for intimate celebrations and corporate gatherings, offering privacy with a dash of drama. Position them as your restaurant’s “best-kept secret” to drive bookings for special occasions.
Rooftop and skyline dining
If you’ve got a rooftop area, why not turn it into a private dining destination for special occasions? City views command premium pricing, and guests happily pay more to dine against a dramatic skyline backdrop. Put smart lighting in place and make sure there are weather-ready fixtures so you can maximize outdoor areas, even in cooler months.
Different types of private dining and events to market
With versatile private dining options and event spaces, your spot has the potential to cater to a diverse array of party and event needs, such as:
Corporate events and meetings
Offering private dining rooms or semi-private areas turns your restaurant into an appealing setting for corporate meetings, team offsites, client entertainment, holiday parties, and more. Customizable menus, audio and visual capabilities and dedicated service provide an upscale experience to anyone looking for corporate events.
Weddings and rehearsal dinners
Couples are increasingly turning to restaurants to host micro-weddings, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches. With a full restaurant buyout, they can craft their wedding experience with personalized decor, menus, and the ambiance of an established venue.
Birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations
From intimate chef’s table anniversary dinners to lively birthday bashes, private dining areas set the stage for unforgettable celebrations. With curated menus and dedicated spaces, restaurants become the perfect backdrop for marking life’s milestones.
Networking and social events
Private rooms, patios, or restaurant buyouts offer an upscale yet lively setting for networking events, alumni gatherings, social club meetings, and other group functions. Offering dedicated service and bar packages helps keep the occasion running smoothly.
Family reunions and special gatherings
With flexible seating capacities, private spaces give families a place to reconnect over a meal during reunions, special gatherings, graduations, and more. Restaurants provide a hassle-free event venue alternative to hosting at home.
No matter the occasion, offering thoughtful private dining options means restaurants can be a premium destination for all types of group dining experiences beyond standard service.
Providing a memorable guest experience
While the fundamentals of exceptional service and hospitality apply across all private events, crafting truly memorable experiences often comes down to personalizing for the specific occasion.
Try these tips to make sure your private dining hits the mark, no matter the celebration:
Corporate events and meetings
For corporate events, thoughtful branding can leave a lasting impression. Consider adding company logos to printed menus, wine glass charms, or projected displays. Practical touches like device charging stations and high-speed WiFi elevate the experience.
For meetings, providing AV capabilities, smartboards, and adjustable sound will help solidify a productive gathering. Curated ‘meeting break’ snacks and beverage packages can also enhance the experience.
Weddings and rehearsal dinners
Engaged couples will appreciate your space’s flexibility to accommodate different wedding styles and cultural traditions. Offer customizable decor packages, signature cocktails, and diverse menu options to reflect their vision.
For rehearsal dinners, provide ideas for creative icebreakers or games to welcome both families. Display dessert stations for that wow factor.
Birthdays and anniversaries
Make the guest of honor feel truly celebrated by surprising them with a custom-printed menu highlighting their favorite dishes. Offer luxury additions like a VIP bar tasting or meeting the chef for a personalized experience.
Social events and gatherings
For lively social affairs, aim to create an energetic atmosphere by placing high-top tables and lounges so guests can mingle. Upscale passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, craft cocktails, and live music will keep the party atmosphere going strong.
Unique entertainment, like caricature artists, photo booths, or casino games, can enhance celebratory environments.
No matter the occasion, paying attention to the small experiential details and personalizing accordingly helps your private dining spaces provide an unforgettable backdrop for any celebration.
Maximizing revenue with private dining and events
With the right private dining spaces and a thoughtful approach, you can position your restaurant as a premier destination for all types of celebratory events. Offering private dining is a smart way to boost revenue and cement your reputation.
